Mr and Mrs McGonigle tied the knot on 3rd August 2024 in front of 33 guests and took advantage of the venue's amazing all-inclusive package
Ester Moraes and Robbie McGonigle
3rd August 2024
Venue | Kilmardinny House, Bearsden
Photography | Ariana Cruz Photo
After three years of long-distance love, Ester was delighted to say yes when Robbie popped the question at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The Brazilian bride and Scottish groom married just three short months later.
“We decided to marry as soon as we could upon our return to Scotland,” says Ester, adding that the couple are planning a second ceremony in Brazil later this year.
Wedding packages at Kilmardinny House
Kilmardinny House, a large A-listed Georgian mansion in Bearsden, is close to where the couple live and was their dream venue from the get-go.
“As soon as we learned it was available on a summer Saturday at relatively short notice, we didn’t hesitate,” Ester recalls.
As they didn’t have a big budget or much time to hunt for suppliers, the lovebirds took full advantage of the venue’s all-inclusive package to make their lives as stress-free as possible.
“It covered food (including an evening buffet), some wine and prosecco, staffing, table linen, room hire, furniture, a DJ and a piper. We only had to find a photographer, a florist and a cake – as well as someone to marry us,” says Ester.
Registering a marriage or civil partnership in Scotland
But she and Robbie couldn’t confirm those final suppliers until all the paperwork was in place…
“As I’m not a UK citizen, it took over a month to go through the legal process. That left us with just a few weeks to pull the remaining details together!”
In the end, 33 of the couple’s closest friends and family joined them for the ceremony, canapés and meal, with 45 more attending the evening party.
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“We had our ceremony at the foot of the staircase below Kilmardinny’s incredible glass dome, ornate oval light well and balustrade. There was such a magical atmosphere,” smiles Ester.
“It was a sunny day, so the canapés and drinks were served outside while we had our photos taken, before dinner in the beautiful, classical Garden Pavilion.
Catering at Kilmardinny House
“The elegant Georgian architecture made our photos look like magazine shots. If you’re not planning on getting ready at the venue, I would recommend arriving before your guests so you have time to explore and take pictures. It’s stunning.”
The well-travelled couple love their food, so getting it right was “a big deal”, and the venue offered a broad range of options.
“The chef did an amazing job; all our guests loved the food!” beams Ester. “In fact, the whole Kilmardinny team were helpful, friendly and executed everything perfectly. We genuinely experienced no stress, despite the short run-up.”
Some of the bride’s Brazilian family couldn’t attend the wedding because of the short notice, but an emotional Ester FaceTimed them that morning.
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There were other reminders of home too: “We gifted our guests Brigadeiros – traditional Brazilian sweets – and Robbie did his speech in Portuguese! It was beautiful to see his effort and enthusiasm. He spoke about how happy he was to have almost everyone we love in one place with us.
“Looking around the room and seeing the proud faces of all the important people in our lives meant the world to us. It’s something Robbie and I will treasure forever. We felt so loved."
Venue and catering Kilmardinny House, Glasgow
Photography Ariana Cruz Photo
Celebrant Gillian McMeekin, East Dunbartonshire Council
Wedding dress and accessories ASOS and River Island
Groomswear Slater Menswear
Cake My Brazilian Kitchen
Flowers Rainbow Heart Flowers
